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TAD honors American Indians and Alaskan Natives throughout November

Honoring Our Nations: Building Strength Through Understanding

Published Nov. 19, 2019
The Department of Defense 2019 National American Indian Heritage Month poster depicts an auburn and brown background of varying shades. At the top of the poster is a medium-dark brown header. The names of the 573 Indian and Alaskan federally recognized tribes maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior fills the entire background of the poster in dark brown text. These tribal names can be seen through all the lettering on the poster as well as the primary image at the center. Imposed on the medium-dark brown header is the observance theme “Honoring Our Nations, Building Strength through Understanding” in lighter auburn colored text. Immediately below the theme and on the auburn-brown background is the observance title spread across two lines. The first line in smaller capitalized block text reflects, NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN. Immediately below in larger font is the remainder of the title, HERITAGE MONTH.
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The Department of Defense 2019 National American Indian Heritage Month poster depicts an auburn and brown background of varying shades. At the top of the poster is a medium-dark brown header. The names of the 573 Indian and Alaskan federally recognized tribes maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior fills the entire background of the poster in dark brown text. These tribal names can be seen through all the lettering on the poster as well as the primary image at the center. Imposed on the medium-dark brown header is the observance theme “Honoring Our Nations, Building Strength through Understanding” in lighter auburn colored text. Immediately below the theme and on the auburn-brown background is the observance title spread across two lines. The first line in smaller capitalized block text reflects, NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN. Immediately below in larger font is the remainder of the title, HERITAGE MONTH.

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Colleagues and Friends,

After 100 years of efforts to establish it, President George H. W. Bush designated November as National American Indian Heritage Month. What originally started as an effort to gain a single day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated to recognize native cultures and educate the public about the heritage, history, art, and traditions of American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

The theme for 2019 is “Honoring Our Nations: Building Strength Through Understanding.”

There are a total of 573 federally recognized tribal nations in these United States. As we celebrate other events this month, Command Sergeant Major Delapena and I encourage you to also take time to celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions made by American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Let’s all reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our understanding of the uniqueness of each indigenous tribe, and the wisdom, customs, cultures and heritage each has contributed to the overall fabric of our nation.

Thank you for all you do every day!

Sincerely,
Col. Chris Beck, Commander, Transatlantic Division


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division serves as USACE’s tip of the spear in one of the most dynamic construction environments in the world, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, BUILDING CAPACITY, and ENHANCING SECURITY for our nation, allies, and partners. 

We SAFELY deliver agile, responsive, and innovative, design, construction, engineering and contingency solutions in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other global partners to advance national security interests.

Transatlantic Division News

  • June

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    USACE Expeditionary District welcomes new leadership

    The “Always Forward” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District conducted a combined change of command ceremony welcoming new leadership to the only forward-deployed district serving in the Central Command area of responsibility.

  • April

    Male civilian engineer stands in front of a structure on a runway that is under construction.

    Expertise at the Front: How USACE Experience Powers U.S. Army Success

    In the vast, dynamic landscape of the U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility, the success of the U.S. Army's mission is intricately linked to the infrastructure that supports it. For more than 70 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has played a crucial role in providing the critical engineering, design, and construction expertise that ensures operational readiness and resilience across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Levant. The Transatlantic Expeditionary District, as USACE's only forward deployed district in support of contingency operations, continues this legacy by being the sharpest tip of the spear, strengthening partnerships, building capacity, and enhancing security for our nation, allies, and partners.
  • U.S. Army command sergeant major speaking to group of Soldiers.

    Empowering the Future: USACE Division CSM Visits U.S. Army Engineers in Kuwait

    In a significant event aimed at fostering professional growth among U.S. Army Engineer Regiment Soldiers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse held an open forum discussion with active duty and reserve component engineer Soldiers deployed to Kuwait. The engagement offered a platform for non-commissioned officers to engage directly with one of USACE’s division level senior enlisted leaders, exploring the pivotal role of engineers in achieving Army objectives and the value of mentorship and professional development within the NCO ranks.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander (center), along with district engineers and the regional safety chief, discuss ongoing progress during a site visit at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Apr. 8, to review the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair project, demonstrating USACE’s dedication to maintaining operational excellence and ensuring project success.

    Building Resilience and Respect: USACE’s Role in Sustaining Military Capacity at Camp Buehring During Ramadan

    Strategic Infrastructure is crucial for sustaining military capability, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in ensuring its effectiveness. As a part of monthly rotational site visit engagements, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, USACE Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, along with a team of district engineers and the district Safety chief, traveled to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to review two key projects: the Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair projects. These engagements exemplify USACE's commitment to operational excellence and project oversight.
  • U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary commander (left), along with Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., USACE Transatlantic Division commanding general (right), discuss infrastructure projects at a meeting in Iraq, Sept. 15, showcasing the leadership and commitment that drive USACE's efforts in advancing infrastructure developments across the U.S. Central Command region, including Kuwait. (U.S. Army Photo by Richard Rzepka)

    USACE Strengthens Partnership for Global Infrastructure in Kuwait

    In a significant meeting held on March 17, at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, and Viet Nguyen, Expeditionary District deputy district engineer, engaged in strategic discussions with The U.S. Ambassador and the Economic Counselor from the American Embassy in Kuwait. The engagement centered around enhancing the role of USACE in the context of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, PGII, and its implications for U.S. and allied economic and national security interests.

  • March

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    A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division employee is undertaking an intense talent management program in order to help fellow employees in their careers; the first employee in the organization to do so.

  • February

    U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commanding general (center rear), accompanies U.S. Army Col. Philip M. Secrist III, Transatlantic Middle East District commander (far left), Jim M. Sindle, U.S. Consul General for the U.S. Consulate General Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (center left), U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general (center right), along with Middle East District program managers and professionals view ongoing project sites and discuss and evaluate USACE’s role as the 'partner of choice' in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility during a recent series of engagements and project site visits with U.S. military and allied nation mission partners across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jan 24. Understanding the complex and dynamic engineering, design, and construction program and the strategic impact of the USACE mission, programs, and projects is essential for leadership and mission partners and underscores the Transatlantic Division’s commitment to building capacity and enhancing security solidifying its pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the CENTCOM AOR.

    USACE Transatlantic Division: Setting Extraordinary Standards as ‘Partner of Choice’ in CENTCOM AOR

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division stands as a pivotal force in the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility. Since the 1950s, the Division has actively shaped the landscape of engineering, design, and construction across the Middle East. Transforming from its initial focus on basic military construction, the Division now leads sophisticated, large-scale infrastructure projects, demonstrating a deep commitment to building capacity and enhancing security in the region. By setting and consistently upholding extraordinary operational standards, it has established itself as the ‘partner of choice.’

  • January

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the Oath of Office to U.S. Army Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, during Hannan's promotion ceremony to Brigadier General, Jan. 16, in Winchester, Virginia.

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Commander Promoted to Brigadier General

    Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during a ceremony here Jan. 16.

  • October

    U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander (left), speaks with Army Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse, Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division senior enlisted advisor (right), near Erbil Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 19. (U.S. Army photo by Rick Rzepka, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District public affairs office)

    On Solid Ground: Army Values are the Foundation of USACE Transatlantic Division’s Mission

    With a history of more than 70 years in the region, the Transatlantic Division oversees more than $5 billion in projects including military construction programs, force protection innovations, and security cooperation initiatives, strengthening Army readiness, enhancing vital infrastructure, and deepening global partnerships. Each action reinforces the Army's unwavering commitment to its service members and global partners.
  • Photo of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Middle East District Falcon 5/F-15QA Beddown facilities and infrastructure project, Qatar, Oct. 19. (U.S. Army photo by Catherine Carroll, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division public affairs office)

    USACE Innovation: The Key to 'Building Strong' in the CENTCOM AOR

    For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, innovation is the essential energy that drives success. From the initial development phase of a project, through the design and construction, and well into the operational phase, innovation drives the relentless pursuit of excellence, supporting sustainable strategies and fostering the development of long-lasting, reliable solutions.